Tropical Storm Arthur Has Potential To Turn Into A Hurricane

There is a storm system brewing off the coast of Floria, about 100 miles east of Melborne, that weather officials caution could develop into a tropical storm. The storm is developing in an closed area of low pressure, the winds are near tropical storm strength already, although not quite there yet, due to the fact that there is not enough thunder storm activity to classify it as a tropical storm or a tropical depression yet. While there is thunderstorm activity developing, it is just below the threshold needed to qualify it for a tropical storm.
The Air force is monitoring this system with special reconnaissance planes, designed to send back data showing the storms potential. The reconnaissance plane did note however that the potential tropical system seems be getting better organized, with winds of up to 35mph, only lacking the traditional thunderstorm development for now to qualify as a tropical storm. The National Hurricane Center predicts an 80% chance that the system off of Florida has a 80% chance to develop into a tropical storm or depression with in the next 24 to 48 hours and also and 80% chance to develop into the same during the next 5 days. Arthur is the first named storm of the season if this system moving of the coast of Florida develops into a tropical storm, so we are potentially looking at Tropical Storm arthur. National Hurricane Center computer data shows the likely path of the system moving south, then curving up to the north, then east along the Atlantic coastline.

As far as the weather impact for now goes, Florida and Georgia can expect showers and some rough waves along the coast. Midweek showers will happen for the coast of Carolina and the mid Atlantic coast towards the end of the week. The brunt of any adverse weather so far is likely to hit the Carolina coastline mid week. If you are flying or traveling along the eastern coast for the holiday weekend, do be advised to keep an eye on the weather and any impact it may have on your travel plans.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the environmental conditions are rife for this systems development into a tropical storm. Only a very slight increase in it’s organization and some elevated thunderstorm activity is needed at this moment for it to form a tropical depression. The Air Force and National Hurricane Center continue to monitor the situation. The system is moving southwestward right now at about 5 mph, and it is highly expected to turn west later tonight and then northwards by Wednesday when it will be nearer to the coast of Florida. Officials caution if the system develops into a tropical cyclone, a tropical storm watch could be required for the coast of Florida and possibly Georgia. The system is expected to turn towards the southeastern U.S. coast by Thursday afternoon.

Already the system is the cause of some foul weather in Florida. It has brought stormy conditions to Brevard County, and will continue to do so until Tuesday night. residents along the Florida coastline should expect winds of anywhere from 20-25 miles, with wind gusts that could exceed tropical storm force. For those traveling to Florida to enjoy the beaches for the 4th of July weekend, beach goers are warned of the potential for rip currents along the coastline due to the storm system.